From collection Member List
Founder Nellie Gamble (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on May 12, 1867, and spent most of her life there except for what she called "that fateful time" at DePauw. An adventurous child, Nellie gradually subdued her early wild impulses and began studying piano. Fellow Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) described Nellie as "the loveliest girl I had ever seen in all my life. Tall, slim, and graceful, with fair hair and blue eyes - gentle in voice and manner. At first she seemed timid, but acquaintance awakened a most friendly and sweet response. She was admired by all who knew her for her fine good qualities and personal charm, and loved by all her friends with rare devotion."
Nellie was an eager participant in the formation of the Fraternity from its earliest days. She was part of the committee chosen at the first meeting to consult with Dean Howe to plan for the future and was elected the first corresponding secretary. By February 1886, she had been elected President.
No explanation is known for why Nellie left DePauw early. She returned to Martinsville and soon after married Edward W. Childe, settling down to lead "a life of quiet influence for good." A naturally quiet and retiring person, Nellie seemed reluctant to accept the special honor and appreciation that Alpha Chi Omega reserved for its Founders. Nellie Gamble Childe died in 1960 at the age of 93.
Related Items
Leonard, Childe, Clark and Orndorff at Convention Photograph, June 26, 1935
Founders (left to right) Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University), Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) and Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) pose with Ruth Orndorff Darragh (Gamma, Northwestern University) at D...
Alpha Chi Omega Founded
Seven female students at the DePauw University School of Music meet with Dean James Hamilton Howe at his invitation to begin the process of forming "a society for musical and social improvement."
The Early Years, Video
Hear from our Founders about the beginning of our sisterhood at DePauw University. This presentation was shared in celebration of Alpha Chi Omega's 125th anniversary.
The First New Members
In the fall of 1885, the seven original founders invite eight friends from the School of Music to join Alpha Chi Omega.
Founders Forum at Headquarters Photograph
In 2006, The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation built and dedicated the Founders' Forum on the headquarters property. There were seven pillars on the outside featuring the signature of each Founder. The large sculpture in the center represented ...
Alpha Chi Omega Goes Public
The members of the new women's fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega, announce their presence by parading across campus to attend chapel at Meharry Hall in East College.
The Convention Transcript of Alpha Chi Omega, Vol. 17, No. 1, June 26, 1960
This convention newsletter provides articles about various convention events, as well as general interest articles regarding the new Fraternity headquarters and the death of Founder Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University). The ne...
Nellie Gamble Childe Portrait Cabinet Card, c. 1886
Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) studied piano from an early age and, after much deliberation, chose DePauw. She was described variously by her sisters as being gentle, energetic, earnest and friendly, leading a life of “q...
Pendant belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
Diamond-shaped gold pendant with black enamel inlay and raised gold coat of arms belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
